Letter: Who’s sorry now?

Abel Oldsworth, my reticent friend, believes that issuing apologies is most difficult for people who think only of themselves.

Examples of those who should be in line to apologize include politicians who cast unsubstantiated aspersions at the country’s leaders and voting blocs, physicians who cover up their negligence and impairment-caused errors, contractors who substitute substandard materials, PAC groups and lobbyists who malign opponents and try to buy elections, charity company managers who charge exorbitant administrative fees, and preachers who claim they speak for God and promise prosperity to contributors.

But words of apology are empty phrases without corrective behaviors. Issuers must cultivate clean hearts backed by good deeds to give sincere apologies.

Those are tough expectations for people with “mingled motives” and who are “devoid of the feelings of humanity.” Those who can do both are “gracious and polite beyond all expression.”